Winter Kokanee

[chartreuse moose]

After reading all the post about Kokanee here, it hit me . What do these plankton feeders eat in the winter while under the ice ?

Now we all know most the high country lakes freeze over and there sure is no plankton to eat in 39 degree water . I would think they have to feed or die of starvation . Could someone clue me in on what they feed on in the dead of winter.

[Cannon]

After reading all the post about Kokanee here, it hit me . What do these plankton feeders eat in the winter while under the ice ?

Now we all know most the high country lakes freeze over and there sure is no plankton to eat in 39 degree water . I would think they have to feed or die of starvation . Could someone clue me in on what they feed on in the dead of winter.
When in colder water Kok's go deep and go into a state of semi hibernation. Due to the colder water their metabolism slows down thus requiring less nutrition. If you will note, sometimes in the spring you will catch fish while trolling deep that are fairly thin by kok standards and while fishing shallow you will find fish that are not so emaciated. That is why it is important to use a thermometer on your downrigger ball in the spring and early summer so you can find the thermocline: somewhere around 55 deg (the border beteen too cold for plankton and not). The fish will sit right at that level and somewhat below in the comfort of cooler water but able to come up and feed...:twocents:

[Horsecreek]

............That is why it is important to use a thermometer on your down rigger ball in the spring and early summer so you can find the thermocline: somewhere around 55 deg (the border between too cold for plankton and not).........:twocents:

Ummmmmmmm....... interesting...but what happens when you bring the ball up to the warmer surface after being down many fathoms and the temp changes...unless you have a cable sensor to the down rigger ball for a constant reading...that sounds like a rigging nightmare??????? Please explain your technology!:D

[Cannon]

Ummmmmmmm....... interesting...but what happens when you bring the ball up to the warmer surface after being down many fathoms and the temp changes...unless you have a cable sensor to the down rigger ball for a constant reading...that sounds like a rigging nightmare??????? Please explain your technology!:D
Once you find that level it remains fairly consistent. Looking on your depth finder you see fish holding at a certain depth range but bear in mind that you will see fish below that range as well. In the spring and early summer kok's in the cooler water will be less reactive than the ones in the warmer optimum temperature. Check the temperature and you will find that within a small area of about ten feet the optimum range for trolling. Run the thermometer down on a size 6 lead ball with a snap link on it hooked to a scrap of woven line then it is easy to check the temperature without a lot of effort. I just have it stored on a card of wood when not in use. As the season develops (warmer weather) that thermocline becomes more defined you will be able to see it on a good depth finder. Later in the season as the fish are nearing the spawn, they will be aggressive no matter what.

[pharmseller]

After reading all the post about Kokanee here, it hit me . What do these plankton feeders eat in the winter while under the ice ?

Now we all know most the high country lakes freeze over and there sure is no plankton to eat in 39 degree water . I would think they have to feed or die of starvation . Could someone clue me in on what they feed on in the dead of winter.


Cheeseburgers. :meme:



P

[chartreuse moose]

Yes I do run a Depth Raider on my starboard down rigger at all times. I fish
10' above and 10' below the desired temperatures I am seeking. Also the Depth Raider gives you the speed of your lure at the ball, which is vary important, to make sure your lure is running proper.
On the starboard side down rigger , the cable is a coated cable that sends the messages back to a screen on the boat dash . The depth my cable will reach is 400' .

Welcome home Horsecreek (http://www.ifish.net/board/member.php?u=22749)